From Americans United for Separation of Church and State (http://www.au.org):
This bill, introduced by Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA), would ensure that the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) couldn’t be used to exempt people or businesses from adhering to laws designed to ensure basic civil rights and legal protections.
Under the Do No Harm Act, RFRA could not trump laws that prohibit discrimination, require equal pay, ensure access to healthcare, and protect child welfare.
RFRA could still be invoked to protect religious exercise, but only if it does not harm others—like providing an a Sikh soldier an exemption from the military’s rule on uniforms so that he can wear a beard and a turban in accordance with his faith.
Last week, a federal court ruled that RFRA allows a business to use religion as an excuse to ignore civil rights laws and discriminate against a transgender employee. Although we think the opinion was wrongly decided, it underscores the need to pass the Do No Harm Act.
The Do No Harm Act would prevent another bad court decision and help safeguard fundamental civil rights. Urge your Representative to co-sponsor this vital bill today at http://cqrcengage.com/au/app/onestep-write-a-letter?0&engagementId=238293!
Leave a Reply